A lot of proposals occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. December is the most popular month for proposals, with the majority of proposals occurring on Christmas Day, and in the days before and after. While holiday proposals may seem romantic, there is a rather unromantic side to them when it comes to some of the legal aspects. Read on for more information regarding proposing over the holidays.
Who Keeps the Ring?
According to The Washington Post, “Legally, an engagement ring is considered a “conditional gift” based on the marriage taking place and the ring goes back to the purchaser if the engagement is broken, regardless of who ends it. But rings given on Christmas, Valentine’s Day or birthdays are typically classified as more traditional gifts, and the majority of courts have allowed the receiver to keep it.” Different states rule differently when it comes to who gets the ring in the event of a failed engagement or divorce, but this may be something to consider.
Prenuptial Agreements
Another important topic is that of prenuptial agreements. A prenuptial agreement is a legal document that declares how a couple’s assets will be divided in the event of a divorce or death. Because of the grim connotation, many couples avoid creating prenuptial agreements. In reality, a prenup does not indicate a future divorce. Instead, it simply protects your and your spouse’s assets. If you rush into a holiday proposal without exploring all the legal avenues, you may regret it later on.
If you have any questions regarding engagements and the legal issues you need to cover beforehand, contact our firm today. We are here to help you with all of your family law matters.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Matters of divorce and family law should be navigated with the guidance of an experienced attorney. If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today.
